Friday, July 15, 2011

retreat recap

I was so fortunate to be able to spend last weekend quilting at Gruber's for our second annual quilting retreat. Man, was it fun. Seriously, I laughed until my abs hurt. (I finally found an ab workout that I LOVE! Hurray!) I feel like I owe these fine women for therapy. It was so wonderful to quilt together, to share ideas and stories and jokes. It was fun to EAT OUT and not have to cook for anyone for a few days. It was fun to browse the 10,000 bolts at the quilt shop, even if I didn't buy a darn thing. The side affect, though, is feeling like a slug this entire week. (It was still totally worth it!) I am still trying to get back into the swing of things, and it's Friday already! I am still trying to catch up on sleep! (Again, I repeat, still totally worth it!)

At the retreat, I hunkered down and got my fall 9 patch quilt top done. It took me all of Friday AND all of Saturday. And if you know me, I take my quilting retreat sewing time very seriously-I get down to business! This is just a time consuming quilt to piece, which also makes it the perfect retreat project. There was no shortage of great conversation and laughter to take my mind off the monotony. After I got the top done and I breathed a huge sigh of relief. I also saw the fruits of my labor. Yay!

The quilt specifics: Most of the 9 patches are pieced from Kona cotton jelly rolls in the Dusky and Dark colorways. The cream sashing is Moda Bella Solid in the color snow. The pattern is from a quilt along I did a few summers ago. (Links are on my sidebar...one a day quilt along.) It is a twin size.

Anyway, back to the retreat....I was lame-o and took VERY few photos. And the ones I did take turned out all yellow. But thankfully other people did. And they wrote beautiful recap posts all about the retreat. Click on any of the links above to read more about the fun we had. I feel so lucky to be able to call these women friends. I can't wait to do it again next year!

Your quilt is beautiful!! I've been wanting to make a nine patch for my living room for a while and this has inspired me to get started on it. How many jelly rolls did you end up having to use for this?

Thank you for being original in your recap of our fabulous retreat! It really was a fabulous weekend, and I'm so glad I didn't back out at the last-minute. I love your quilt top, which is going to make an amazing wedding gift. It really a blast sewing next to you, rooming with you and Cindy, sharing stories and exchanging ideas. Thank you for being such a great friend!!

I love your fall nine patch! A fall quilt has been on my to-do list for some time, if I could just finish my stinkin' double wedding ring that I started almost TWO YEARS AGO...oh boy. I love it, but at this point I'd really love for it to be done so I can move on to new quilts!

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Hi, I wasn't sure which retreat my friend Rene was going to.... And then I saw her in your photo when I was visiting your blog! I'm so glad you got some time to relax at the retreat. Sounds like it was sorely needed. I don't blame you for being frustrated! You do a great job on your blog, and there are a whole lot of people out there who just love you. Concentrate on us!

This nine patch layout with the neutral sashing is the perfect solution to use all the multicolored nine patches I made last year trying out a super-quick way of making nine patches. I really got into the sewing but didn't have a plan for using the finished blocks. Now I do, thanks a million for sharing :o)